Patents by Inventor Robert E. Kraska
Robert E. Kraska has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20090246617Abstract: One embodiment of an electrochemical cell for an implantable medical device is presented. The electrochemical cell includes a first electrode. The first electrode includes at least one current collector with a tab extending therefrom. The at least one tab comprises one of vanadium and vanadium alloy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: William G. Howard, Robert E. Kraska, Hailiang Zhao, Bruce T. Anderson
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Patent number: 6855456Abstract: A feedthrough arrangement includes a titanium alloy terminal for conducting electrical current between a first environment within a housing and a second environment outside of the housing. An insulating member is positioned around a portion of the terminal. A sleeve member is positioned around the insulating member. The terminal, insulating member, and insulating member all being in sealing engagement therewith to environmentally isolate the first and second environments.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William J. Taylor, Ian Courtney, William G. Howard, Robert E. Kraska
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Publication number: 20030083715Abstract: A feedthrough arrangement includes a titanium alloy terminal for conducting electrical current between a first environment within a housing and a second environment outside of the housing. An insulating member is positioned around a portion of the terminal. A sleeve member is positioned around the insulating member. The terminal, insulating member, and insulating member all being in sealing engagement therewith to environmentally isolate the first and second environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: William J. Taylor, Ian Courtney, William G. Howard, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 6274265Abstract: A method of evaluating an electrochemical cell for a metallic contaminant-caused defect. The electrochemical cell is configured for use with an implantable medical device and includes an anode, a solid cathode and a liquid electrolyte. The method includes storing the cell at an elevated temperature following assembly for accelerating corrosion of possible metallic contaminants. A parameter of the cell related to cell voltage is then measured. An evaluation is made as to whether the cell is defective based upon this measured parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Kraska, Donald R. Merritt, Craig L. Schmidt, Paul M. Skarstad
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Patent number: 6203937Abstract: A closed container is filled through a metal fill port which is then sealed with a rigid metal ball press fitted into the port passageway.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1994Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 6184160Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Jenn-Feng Yan, Paul A. Pignato, Anthony R. Rorvick, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 6099600Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Jenn-Feng Yan, Paul A. Pignato, Anthony R. Rorvick, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 6090503Abstract: A body implanted device including a container having an opening through which extends an electrical feedthrough. The feedthrough includes a terminal of bio-stable material. A glass insulator is positioned around the terminal. The glass insulator is chosen from a CABAL-12 type composition or variation thereof. The terminal is comprised of a material which has thermal expansion characteristics compatible with the glass seal. For glass seals having a thermal expansion in the range of 6.8 to 8.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree. C. the terminal is comprised of a thin layer of titanium metallurgically clad over niobium or tantalum. For glass seals having a thermal expansion in the range of 8.0 to 9.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree. C. the terminal is comprised of platinum, platinum-iridium or alloys of either, or of pure titanium.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William J. Taylor, Joseph F. Lessar, Louis E. Halperin, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 5821011Abstract: A body implanted device including a container having an opening through which extends an electrical feedthrough. The feedthrough includes a terminal of bio-stable material. A glass insulator is positioned around the terminal. The glass insulator is chosen from a CABAL-12 type composition or variation thereof. The terminal is comprised of a material which has thermal expansion characteristics compatible with the glass seal. For glass seals having a thermal expansion in the range of 6.8 to 8.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree.C. the terminal is comprised of a thin layer of titanium metallurgically clad over niobium or tantalum. For glass seals having a thermal expansion in the range of 8.0 to 9.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree.C. the terminal is comprised of platinum, platinum-iridium or alloys of either, or of pure titanium.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1993Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William J. Taylor, Joseph F. Lessar, Louis E. Halperin, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 5712462Abstract: A method of making a high reliability electrical connection in an implantable medical device. The electrical conductors may include metals such as niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, platinum, titanium, nickel and alloys thereof. The electrical conductors are resistance welded by establishing contact between the conductor pair, providing a protective atmosphere around the contacting pair, and applying electrical energy to the contacting pair to cause fusion while maintaining the protective atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1995Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Fred J. Berkowitz, Mark D. Bryen, Joseph F. Lessar, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 5433744Abstract: A medical electrical lead of the type which includes an electrode at a distal end of the lead a connector at a proximal end of the lead and an elongated electrical conductor extending between the electrode and the connector. The conductor is comprised of a wire wound in a coil configuration with the wire comprised of a super austenitic stainless steel having a composition of at least 22% nickel and 2% molybdenum. Material of such composition has been found to have suitable conductivity for use with implantable pulse generators and suitable fatigue strength when used in endocardial lead placement. Moreover, such material has been found to pass tests intended to detect metal ion oxidation (MIO) in polymeric materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1994Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Breyen, Naim S. Istephanous, Robert E. Kraska, Joseph F. Lessar, Jennifer P. Miller
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Patent number: 5411545Abstract: A medical electrical lead of the type which includes an electrode at a distal end of the lead a connector at a proximal end of the lead and an elongated electrical conductor extending between the electrode and the connector. The conductor is comprised of a wire wound in a coil configuration with the wire comprised of a duplex stainless steel having a composition of at least 22% chromium, 3% molybdenum and 5% nickel. Material of such composition has been found to have suitable conductivity for use with implantable pulse generators and suitable fatigue strength when used in endocardial lead placement. Moreover, such material has been found to pass tests intended to detect metal ion oxidation (MIO) in polymeric materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1994Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Breyen, Naim S. Istephanous, Robert E. Kraska, Joseph F. Lessar, Jennifer P. Miller
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Patent number: 5306581Abstract: A lithium battery having a weldable feedthrough which is compatible with liquid electrolytes containing organic solvents and lithium salts under long term use conditions. The feedthrough comprises a pin of niobium or tantalum and ductile alloys thereof and a low silica insulating glass positioned around a portion of the pin in sealing engagement with the pin. The feedthrough is assembled into an aperture of the battery case where it provides an electrically conductive pathway from the anode or cathode to the exterior of the case and provides a hermetic seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1992Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William J. Taylor, Douglas J. Weiss, Joseph Lessar, Jennifer P. Miller, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 5040544Abstract: A medical electrical lead having a polyurethane outer sheath and one or more coiled metal conductors. The metal conductors are optimized for use in conjunction with a polyurethane sheath and are provided with a barrier coating of a biocompatible metal. The conductors may additionally be provided with an outer, insulative coating.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1990Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Joseph F. Lessar, Duane L. Rosenberg, Robert E. Kraska, James M. Speckien, James E. Upton
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Patent number: 4947866Abstract: A medical electrical lead having a polyurethane outer sheath and one or more coiled metal conductors. The metal conductors are optimized for use in conjunction with a polyurethane sheath and are provided with a barrier coating of a biocompatible metal. The conductors may additionally be provided with an outer, insulative coating.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1989Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Joseph F. Lessar, Duane L. Rosenberg, Robert E. Kraska, James M. Speckien, James E. Upton
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Patent number: 4860446Abstract: A medical electrical lead having a polyurethane outer sheath and one or more coiled metal conductors. The metal conductors are optimized for use in conjunction with a polyurethane sheath and are provided with a barrier coating of a biocompatible metal. The conductors may additionally be provided with an outer, insulative coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1988Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Joseph F. Lessar, Duane L. Rosenberg, Robert E. Kraska, James M. Speckien, James E. Upton
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Patent number: 4678868Abstract: A hermetic feedthrough consisting of a niobium electrical lead-in wire surrounded by an alumina insulator which is carried by a niobium ferrule, the feedthrough being particularly adapted for being welded to the titanium container of an implantable medical device. The niobium and alumina parts are joined together by means of a pure gold braze, the surfaces of the alumina being first metallized with a layer of niobium, titanium or niobium/titanium and an optional overlying layer of gold.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1984Date of Patent: July 7, 1987Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Kraska, Frank J. Wilary, Joseph F. Lessar
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Patent number: 4217137Abstract: New alloys containing gold, vanadium, yttrium and/or scandium, optionally including niobium. The alloys are particularly suitable for brazing and for metallizing, most particularly for brazing hermetic ceramic-metal seals. Unique brazing structures and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1979Date of Patent: August 12, 1980Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Kraska, Joseph F. Lessar
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Patent number: 4180700Abstract: New alloys containing gold, vanadium, yttrium and/or scandium, optionally including niobium. The alloys are particularly suitable for brazing and for metallizing, most particularly for brazing hermetic ceramic-metal seals. Unique brazing structures and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1978Date of Patent: December 25, 1979Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Kraska, Joseph F. Lessar
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Patent number: 4010760Abstract: A body implantable electromedical device such as a cardiac pacemaker in which the stimulating signal generator module is detachably coupled to at least one of the power source modules and the leads, coupling being provided by assemblies which are body fluid corrosion resistant and inhibit current leakage between units of the assembly at different electrical potentials.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1975Date of Patent: March 8, 1977Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Kraska, Pieter M. J. Mulier